A Model Course for Using Technology in Developing In-Service English Language teachers’ Proficiency and Competence.

Abstract

This paper discusses how a variety of educational technologies can be used to develop pre-service English language teachers’ linguistic proficiency and teaching competence. The discussion is based on a 16-week academic course entitled “Technology for Teaching English”. The course included 81 Palestinian participants who are 3rd-year university students specialised in teaching English as a foreign language at the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG). These students were divided into 3 groups where training was delivered in a computer lab and in a discussion room. The course aimed at empowering the participants to develop a wide variety of computer and internet skills and to use these skills in enhancing their language learning and teaching skills. The results of such course included empowering the participants to develop their language proficiency and their teaching competence and the skills necessary for continuing professional self-development at language learning and teaching levels. Acquiring these skills developed positive attitude towards the importance of using technologies in advancing pre-service English language teachers’ proficiency and competence.